What are the challenges that must be addressed?

Inter-Act has worked with a range of advisors, stakeholders and partners across the interfaith community to identify the following key issues and barriers to tolerance between people of different faiths and cultures:

1. There remains a lack of knowledge and understanding of other faiths and cultures, in particular amongst young people
2. This results in isolationism
3. Isolationism causes a limited opportunity for civic participation available to young people

Isolation

Many members of minority faith groups are often isolated from their peers from different cultural backgrounds.

This isolation is perpetuated when individuals in faith groups within communities often have no understanding of each other, leading to a total lack of trust and the possibility of cooperation. Isolated groups within communities do not have enough connections in the wider world, denying members the ability to gain valuable experience

What is the result of isolation?

• Many young people from a variety of faith groups feel that their faith and culture, and therefore part of their identity, is being misunderstood
• They feel excluded from ‘society’
• They do not feel as if their viewpoints are being heard or acknowledged

Why is there a lack of civic participation?

• There is a lack of opportunities for gaining experience which will open new social horizons, and be a real and valuable benefit when finding an occupation
• Isolation precludes participation in projects which are of benefit to the wider community, perpetuating the lack of connections with other groups and society as a whole
• There are limited opportunities to engage in a fun and exciting way with peers from across religious, cultural or economic divides

 

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